Regions of Canada

Grade 5 will begin researching the regions of Canada in the weeks to come. In order to fully understand this concept, the class looked at features that define a region. The children came up with concrete examples of climate, landforms and natural resources to help solidify this concept. After researching the various regions, each student will design a travel blog highlighting key features in each area.

This week we finished learning about the characteristics of 2-D shapes and various ways to sort quadrilaterals. The children wrote a test today and a copy will come home next week. In Language Arts, the class began a short grammar unit on what makes a sentence. They began by taking notes about the two components of a sentence (subject and predicate) and came up with some examples. The goal of this unit is to support students in recognizing sentence fragments and run-on sentences. In Science, the kids have engaged in a number of hands-on activities and experiments to learn about the properties of water. On Thursday, students used the Scientific process in order to make crystals. They will be recording their observations weekly of the growth of their crystal. Ask your child about their observations. 

Classroom Chemistry

separating with air

Grade 5 began a Science unit on Chemistry this week. First, the students learned about the states of matter including solids, liquids and gases. Then on Wednesday, they experimented with a variety of ways to separate solids. Students chose two solids and then tried to separate them using water, magnets, air and sieves. The kids discovered that some methods are more effective than others.

separating with magnets

separating with water

separating with sieves

This week in Language Arts the kids learned about simile and how to enhance their writing with them. We wrapped up the Pattern unit in Math and began learning about the attributes of quadrilaterals. Some of the characteristics students will be exploring are parallel, intersecting, perpendicular, vertical and horizontal lines. In Social Studies, the class compared other regions of Canada to Alberta. Next week they will learn more about factors that define regions such as landforms, natural resources and climate. The students finished creating an optical illusion using pencil crayons and markers. During conferences, you can check out their beautiful art!

Science Fair

Interested students brought home information about the science fair last week. Each student has a letter with important dates and a list of safety regulations, and each group has one shared consent form/proposal sheet. The first two pages are for you to keep at home as a reference, and the third sheet needs to be completed and returned to either Ms. Swinton or Ms. Drummond by Wednesday, November 20, along with $14 for the trifold. (One trifold per project.) Students have asked if they can bring their own trifold; the answer is yes, as long as it meets the city science fair guidelines. Trifold measurements, along with other important information and tips, can be found on the city science fair website, which all participating students are encouraged to check out (http://cysf.org/students/ ). The frequently asked questions section (http://cysf.org/students/project-faq/ ) will be particularly helpful. If you have any science fair related questions, please direct them to Ms. Swinton (fcswinton@cbe.ab.ca ) or Ms. Drummond ( madrummond@cbe.ab.ca ). Thank-you for your support in this!

Monster Math

Students made monsters this week during Math to explore concepts related to measurement. After putting together their creation, they measured the straight sides of shapes within their monster. The kids converted the measurements from centimeters to millimeters and determined the perimeter and area of their creature. 

During Social Studies this week the class used mapping skills in order to support their learning about the regions of Canada. In Language Arts, the class finished up their writing assignments where they used their senses to describe their favourite season. Students partnered up to do research in Science on an endangered animal or plant in Alberta. In the process, they discovered some of the threats to wetlands and how individuals can protect them. Next week the groups will be presenting what they learned to the class.

Cultural Artifact Museum

Over the past few weeks, students have been learning about identity and diversity in Social Studies. To solidify the concepts taught, each child interviewed a family member and brought in an artifact to represent their culture. Today they went through the museum to look at the variety of cultures within Grade 5. After reflecting on the diversity in our school some noted that "people can come from the same place but have a different history" and "all of us and our families are very unique." 

  

   

                     

During Language Arts this week, students engaged in some visualization exercises to enhance their comprehension when reading. In Math, the class reviewed addition and subtraction strategies. Students researched and took jot notes on different types of wetlands in Alberta. They determined the plant and animal life as well as the water source found in specific wetlands such as marshes. In French, students reviewed ways to express how they are feeling. Students were very excited to start their Genius Hour project on Thursday. Genius Hour is an opportunity for children to research a topic of interest and share it in a creative way with their peers. We focused on determining good research questions. Ask your child about their topic!

Wetland Mural

Over the past few weeks, the class has been working on creating a wetland mural. They began by researching specific plants and invertebrates to find out what adaptations make them suited for wetlands. Then they created their bugs using various materials with the goal of making them look as realistic as possible. Check out their work below:

Students learned more about life cycles of invertebrates and animals in the wetland this week. On Tuesday, the class wrote a test on place value and estimation and a copy of it will be coming home next week. Students practiced various strategies for regrouping when adding and will continue working on this into next week. The class finished writing a paragraph desciribing a picture and will share their work with each other next week.  In Social Studies, the focus has been on diversity and students have received an assignment that is due next Friday. They will interview family members to find out their background and reasons for moving to Canada. On Friday the kids will share an artifact that represents their cultural background with all the Grade 5 classes. Please e-mail pictures of any priceless heirlooms or artifacts rather than send them to school. 

Literacy Night

Literacy Night is coming up on October 17. Parents and students are invited to attend!